Mayflower: A Story of Courage, Community, and War

The Native American who approached the Pilgrims was tall, unafraid, and mostly naked, save for the strap of leather around his waist. He carried a bow and arrows as a test, to see if the Pilgrims would choose war or peace. The Pilgrims offered the visitor food and drink, though when he requested beer they were unable to get some from Jones. He finally introduced himself as Samoset and told the Pilgrims that his home was farther north, where there were many English fishermen. This was how he came to learn English. Samoset also mentioned a Native American called Squanto who spoke even better English than he did. Squanto lived with Massasoit, the region’s sachem, or leader. Samoset convinced the Pilgrims to let him sleep in their settlement for the night. The next day, he left with promises of a visit from Massasoit. 

Massasoit and his people had been paying close attention to the Pilgrims since their arrival. Massasoit knew that the Pilgrims were different from other Europeans in that they brought women and children with them. This indicated that the Pilgrims were intent on staying. Another significant difference between the Pilgrims and the traders and merchants who had passed through the area before, was that they kept to themselves.